Q&A With Head Soccer Coach Bianca Contreras-Edwards

The New Mexico Highlands University soccer team begins the 2023 season Wednesday evening in Portales.  Prior to the match we had a chance to catch up with Head Coach Bianca Contreras-Edwards.

You've scheduled four tough road matches for the non-conference portion of your schedule, how will those matches get the team ready for RMAC play?
We schedule these matches to prepare ourselves for RMAC play. They are strong and competitive teams, and we hope to have a good match against them.

Once again this year New Mexico is the most represented state on your roster, how important is it to you to recruit in-state players?
Recruiting players from New Mexico is of utmost importance to us. There is a lot of talent here at home, and we are committed to bringing in those players and keeping them close to home. We take pride in having them represent Highlands with their skills and passion for the game.

The RMAC is one of the top conferences for Women's Soccer every year, how do you assess this year's conference race?
We are proud to be a part of the RMAC, which is a great conference. We look forward to having a competitive and successful year, and we are excited to take on the challenges and opportunities that come our way.

You are a graduate (two time!) of New Mexico Highlands University, what makes NMHU and Las Vegas, NM,  special to you?
I have had an amazing athletic and academic experience here at NMHU, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has brought me. I want to encourage student-athletes who are looking for a supportive and engaging environment to consider NMHU. The small student-to-teacher ratio and sense of community here make you feel like you are part of something bigger. It's what has kept me here and helped me grow as a person and a coach.

There are long bus rides that come with competing in the RMAC, how do you like to spend your time on the bus?
I agree, long bus rides can be challenging at times, but I have found ways to make the most of them. I spend my time watching film, taking naps, or even watching some Netflix to help pass the time.